Brokenwood 2023 Semillon

The Hunter Valley is renowned for its exceptional Semillon, a varietal that has become synonymous with the region’s winemaking excellence. Brokenwood’s 2023 Semillon is a shining example of this legacy, capturing the essence of a challenging vintage while delivering a wine of remarkable finesse, vibrancy, and age-worthiness.

A Vintage Marked by Resilience

The 2023 growing season in the Hunter Valley was not without its challenges. La Niña continued to influence the weather, bringing record rainfall and widespread floods across southeastern Australia. By the end of June 2022, Pokolbin had already received its annual rainfall, making it the wettest year on record. These conditions presented significant hurdles, with vineyard access and Downy Mildew pressure requiring vigilant management.

Despite the challenges, the weather cleared in late October, allowing for more stable conditions as the vines approached harvest. The result was a late harvest, with Semillon grapes picked under cool, clear skies in February 2023. The resilience of the vines and the expertise of the Brokenwood team are evident in the quality of the wine, which reflects the triumph of the vintage over adversity.

Winemaking: Precision and Purity

Brokenwood’s approach to winemaking is rooted in precision and a commitment to preserving the purest expression of the fruit. The 2023 Semillon was hand-harvested, ensuring that only the best grapes were selected. The fruit was then crushed, chilled, and pressed immediately to maintain freshness and prevent oxidation.

Fermentation took place in stainless steel using neutral yeasts, a method that enhances the vibrant, zesty character of the Semillon. No oak or malolactic fermentation was used, allowing the natural acidity and bright fruit flavours to shine through. The wine was bottled in May 2023, capturing the essence of the vintage in its purest form.

Tasting Notes: A Vibrant and Zesty Experience

The 2023 Brokenwood Semillon is a wine that dazzles from the first pour. It presents a vibrant colour with luminous green tints, a visual prelude to the freshness and vitality that define the wine. On the nose, it offers a bouquet of lovely florals and apple blossom aromas, inviting you to explore further.

The palate is where this Semillon truly comes alive. Mouth-filling flavours of lime juice, green apple, and lemon pith are beautifully balanced by a zesty acid backbone. The flavours linger, creating a long, satisfying finish that echoes the classic Hunter Valley style. This is a wine that can be enjoyed now for its youthful vibrancy, but it also has the structure and acidity to age gracefully, developing even greater complexity over time.

Accolades: Recognition of Excellence

The 2023 Brokenwood Semillon has not gone unnoticed, earning numerous accolades that speak to its quality and craftsmanship. Among its major achievements are multiple Gold Medals, including 95 points at the 2023 NSW Wine Awards, the 2023 Royal Adelaide Wine Awards, and the 2024 Halliday Wine Companion, reviewed by the esteemed James Halliday. These accolades are a testament to the wine’s excellence and its standing among the best Semillons produced in the Hunter Valley.

Food Pairing: A Versatile Companion

This Semillon’s bright acidity and vibrant fruit make it an ideal pairing for a wide range of dishes. It’s particularly well-suited to Asian cuisine, where its zesty character can complement the complex flavours of the food. It also shines when paired with seafood, especially freshly shucked oysters, where its crispness cuts through the richness of the dish, creating a perfect harmony of flavours.

Conclusion: A Wine for Now and the Future

The Brokenwood 2023 Semillon is a classic Hunter Valley wine that embodies the region’s winemaking heritage. It’s a wine that informs, educates, and entertains, offering a vibrant snapshot of a challenging vintage and the resilience of both the vines and the winemakers. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future pleasure, this Semillon is a testament to Brokenwood’s commitment to quality and the timeless appeal of Hunter Valley Semillon.